Scholars typically spend their summers at interesting and learn-worthy organizations. For my summer this year such destination will be the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK. There I will participate in several events. I will be helping coordinate a university-wide international business seminar: Global Business in a Dynamic Environment. In addition, I will be chairing the scientific council of the 1st International Doctoral Conference “Socializing Business Research: Connecting and Advancing Knowledge” at Kent Business School.

The Global Business in a Dynamic Environment course (details found here) provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of international business and the institutions involved in the process. Although there is an underlying universality to the basic principles of business administration, it is in the application of these principles that people in international business encounter unique problems. Theory will be emphasized for a normative understanding; practical aspects are designed to show the relation of theory to practice. We will teach each other and learn from each other by the use of analogies, parables, and examples - which will help us understand and remember, which, in an era of the British Exit from the European Union has taken on major significance.

Research socialization (list of Committees found here) will take place within the interdisciplinary business context, where PhD students across all years of study will be exposed to a wide range of business research topics, developing an appreciation for different perspectives, methods and theories. Formal and informal events will provide opportunities to network with fellow PhDs, academics and industry professionals. Professional Development Workshops (both field-specific and generic on research skills) will provide a great opportunity to learn more about publishing and research methodologies within fields of study.

I encourage interested students and scholars to attend those events. It will allow to make lasting connections with students from around the world, studying a range of subjects but sharing personal enthusiasm. Guided by leading professors from around the world such as a large team from the University of Kent, Mark Casson England, Johannes Harl, Germany, Thomas Cooke, Michael Czinkota, Gary Knight and Charles Skuba of the United States, will enable participants to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures, make lifelong friends from a wide variety of backgrounds and benefit from globally-renowned academic excellence. Stay tuned for more information!

So that’s my summer. How about yours? If you want to join me and a group of distinguished colleagues please contact Ms. Ireene Leoncio at icl2@georgetown.edu to sign up for the course/seminar or request more detailed information about the summer events.

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Professor Michael R. Czinkota teaches international marketing at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and at Kent University in Canterbury, UK. His key book (co-authored with Ilkka Ronkainen is International Marketing, 10th ed. by CENGAGE.